Whatever instrument you're interested in
- guitar, piano, drums, bass, saxophone, banjo, ukulele or even your
own voice - The Real School of Music's got you covered. We offer private and group lessons on dozens of instruments with a very innovative approach you won't find anywhere
else. Want to know more? Check out some of our instrument categories, below.

Guitar

Perhaps no instrument better exemplifies Real School's unique teaching approach than the guitar. Right from the start, our instructors work with you to determine your interests, goals, favorite songs and role model guitarists. We then design personalized guitar lessons that include everything from chords and scales, to mastering greats like Hendrix, Harrison and Page, to learning how to burn and shred. We combine our vast library of instructional content with rich media and cutting edge technology to make learning not only a lot easier, but a lot more fun.

Whether you're a rock fan or more into pop, jazz, folk, country, blues, or classical, Real School not only gives you guitar lessons, but also the fundamentals that leave you well prepared to learn other styles of music and instruments. Our teachers are performing pros and have experiences teaching students from all ages and styles. Our lessons also include music theory, songwriting, soloing and improvisation, and all the techniques you need to become a great guitarist.

One of the best things about guitar lessons at the Real School is that you'll not only learn how to play guitar, you'll also learn how to play with other students in either informal jam sessions or as part of your own Real School band. You'll also get the chance to perform live in front of friends, family and fans on the Real Room stage.

Voice

Real School offers vocal lessons like no other music school. That's because we listen to your natural voice and work with you to create personalized voice lessons that fit your skill level, learning style and musical interests. Whether you're looking for voice lessons for kids, adults or seniors, beginners or advanced, Real School has the right lessons for you, because they're customized just for you.

Rock, pop, jazz, blues, gospel, R&B, folk, bluegrass, country, classical/opera, musical theater - whatever your musical interests, we have instructors who are well versed in that genre. Most of our instructors are professional singers themselves, and many have experience working with world-renowned artists. Whether you dream of being on American Idol or just enjoy singing along to the radio, we'll help you learn to sing in fun and exciting ways.

The Real School of Music also gives you the unique opportunity to perform. On top of vocal training, ear training, and music theory, we also provide you opportunities to shine at student showcases at Real School, as well as at concerts at other venues throughout the year. You can even become a singer in your very own Real School band, singing your heart out in front of friends, family and fans on the Real Room concert stage. You can also record your own demo in our professional recording studio or join a number of vocal groups, including A Cappella Ensemble, Glee for Teens and Glee for Adults, and our Musical Theater Workshops.

Piano

Are you looking for piano lessons that give you strong music theory and a lot of fun playing the songs you want?

Look no further than piano lessons at The Real School of Music. The lessons are taught in private and group settings, where you are introduced to all the wonderful sounds the real piano can make.

Piano lessons for beginners let you explore all the basics of playing piano - learning how to read notes, dynamics, and so on. As progression continues, our instructors will add on some technical exercised like etudes or scales in order to develop the speed. Beginners will also receive song and theory books. As your skills grow, you'll get to play more complicated pieces from world-famous composers and also study about songs and composers' background.

Also, you'll have opportunities to perform at our Winter and Summer recitals and student showcases at different public venues where you can show off your skills.

Drums

Drums may well be the world's oldest musical instrument, but that doesn't mean drum lessons can't be taught in fresh, new and innovative ways. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned percussionist, drum lessons at Real School are designed to not only teach you new skills, but to show you how you can develop skills on your own.

From rock and hip hop to jazz and be-bop (and everything in between), drum lessons at The Real School of Music begin by working with your favorite music style to teach rudiments, dynamics and musicianship. Our drum instructors are professional drummers who have played in their own bands, recorded their own albums, and toured the world with other musicians.

In addition to our specially-designed drum rooms, we encourage you to show off your skills on the Real Room stage where you can participate in student showcases at Real School and other public venues. You can even join your own band and make your own records in our professional recording studio.

Bass

There are almost as many ways to study bass as there are to play it. Which is why bass lessons at the Real School of Music are taught at your own pace and your own style. Whether you've got some experience and want to take it to the next level, or you're a beginner who is looking for solid foundation for grooving or locking in with a drummer - Real School is the place for you!

At Real School, you'll not only become a great bassist, but also a well-rounded musician with strong knowledge in music theory. Our instructors are professional bassists who have played with world-class musicians across the globe. You'll be inspired by their experiences in real life playing situations and exposed to different techniques and styles.

As your skills grow, you're encouraged to build confidence by playing live on our Real Room concert stage, performing with other students in your own band, recording your demo in our professional recording studio, and gigging at venues across the Greater Boston area.

Violin

Violin

Studying violin is a rewardingly unique experience at the Real School of Music. Believe it or not, classical music is the foundation of all of today’s great musicians, from Jimi Hendrix to Lady Gaga. Walking through the halls of Real School on the way to your lesson, you might hear anything from someone practicing Beethoven on the piano to a pop song you just heard on the radio.

The violin is a member of the string family—it has four strings (G, D, A, and E) tuned in perfect fifths. Between plucking the strings and using the bow, there are a variety of techniques to be mastered and a plethora of sounds that can be produced. If you love the beautiful sound of the violin, be ready to not only explore violin-specific techniques, but also apply what you learn to music you love!

Violin studies can begin as early as age five; the lessons teach focus, organization, musicianship, goal-setting, and creativity. The student and teacher work as a team to build a wide variety in the student’s musical library, and most importantly have fun while working hard! Exposure within the Real School of Music will provide opportunities for collaboration and advancement with musicians—students and faculty alike. You never know where music studies will lead—and you may just end up surprising yourself!

We have several smaller-sized violins in house for you to borrow for your trial lesson and can provide great references for local rentals. Come experience private lessons at Real School by scheduling a free trial lesson today.

Viola

Are you a lover of the middle ranged instruments? The viola is the middle man of the string family, and is also tuned in perfect fifths like the violin, but the strings vary slightly (C, G, D, and A). Studying viola is a rewardingly unique experience at the Real School of Music. Believe it or not, classical music is the foundation of all of today’s great musicians, from Jimmy Page to Katie Perry. Walking through the halls of Real School on the way to your lesson, you might hear anything from someone practicing Beethoven on the piano to a pop song you just heard on the radio.

The viola is slightly larger in size than the violin, but generally holds the same technical foundations. Between plucking the strings and using the bow, there are a variety of techniques to be mastered and a plethora of sounds that can be produced. If you love the deeper rich quality of the viola, get ready to not only explore specific techniques, but also apply what you learn to music you love!

Viola studies can begin as early as age five; the lessons teach focus, organization, musicianship, goal-setting, and creativity. The student and teacher work as a team to build a wide variety in the student’s musical library, and most importantly have fun while working hard! Exposure within the Real School of Music will provide opportunities for collaboration and advancement with musicians—students and faculty alike. You never know where music studies will lead—and you may just end up surprising yourself!

Cello

Studying the beautiful cello is an effectively unique experience at the Real School of Music. Believe it or not, classical music is the foundation of all great musicians, from the Beatles to Michael Jackson. Walking through the halls of Real School on the way to your lesson, you might hear anything from someone practicing Beethoven on the piano to a pop song you just heard on the radio.

The cello is almost the lowest sounding member of the string family - it has four strings (C, G, D, and A) tuned in perfect fifths. Differently from the violin and viola, the cellist always sits when playing. Between plucking the strings and using the bow, there are a variety of techniques to be mastered and a plethora of sounds that can be produced. If you love the mellow sound of the cello, be ready to not only explore instrument-specific techniques, but also apply what you learn to music you love!

Cello studies can begin as early as age five; the lessons teach focus, organization, musicianship, goal-setting, and creativity. The student and teacher work as a team to build a wide variety in the student's musical library, and most importantly have fun while working hard! Exposure within the Real School of Music will provide opportunities for collaboration and advancement with musicians - students and faculty alike. You never know where music studies will lead - and you may just end up surprising yourself!

Double Bass

The double bass, or string bass, is the largest and lowest instrument of the string family. The double bass has sloping shoulders, instead of rounded shoulders like the other string instruments. This allows the player to have more room to move his or her arms, hands, and fingers in front of the instrument. Because of its size, the player stands or sits on a high stool to play the double bass.

Saxophone

Saxophone at the Real School of Music is not just about Jazz - it's about the music - all kinds of music. Which is why we teach you to play the sax in any style and any song that you want. Whether just starting off or trying to fine tune your improvisational skills, each saxophone lesson is personalized to fit your goals and interests.

Our certified instructors will give you a series of exercises that help develop your embouchure, tone and technique while keeping it fun and interesting. You'll also have opportunities to jam with other students who share the same interest.

Learn how to play sax at Real School and you'll also get to take advantage of our clinics and instrument-specific workshops we host throughout the year. You can also enjoy concerts with professional sax players, participate in jam session with other musician and even attend student showcases and concerts in Greater Boston area.

Flute

Learn to play flute at the Real School of Music and you'll be learning one of the oldest woodwind instruments in one of the most contemporary music school environments around. Whether you're looking to learn the basic fundamentals or trying to master your airstream on low notes, the Real School of Music is the place to be. That's because our certified instructors are professional educators and musicians who understand that each student learns in different ways. Whether you like pop, jazz or classical, they'll work with you to create lessons tailored to your interests, and your passions.

Flute lessons at Real School also include full access to our state-of-art facility with its own stage where you can be a part of our student showcases, perform live in your own band and even record your songs in our recording studio.

Clarinet

Clarinet is a unique instrument that may be used in a variety of musical styles. Here at The Real School of Music, clarinet students will be introduced to the instrument's fundamentals with a variety of teaching methods developed around the student's needs. Beyond the fundamentals, teachers will challenge the student's aptitude with songs and exercises specifically designed to improve ability.

Brass

Brass lessons at the Real School of Music will teach you the art of brass playing and take the mystery out of successful brass study. You will receive comprehensive practice routines that will help you develop a good embouchure, and how to build up endurance while maintaining flexibility. You will also learn the fundamentals of breath support, tone production, and technique, so you can have the strong chops to play the music you want to play!

Our certified instructors are dedicated music teachers that have experience performing and recording music with other professional musicians all over the world. They will design an individualized program of study to help you master the skills you need to become a good musician and play the high notes.

Banjo

Have a passion for banjo? You're not alone. Whether you like Bluegrass, Old-Time or Irish style, beginner or advanced - the Real School of Music offers customized banjo lessons that will strengthen your skills and encourage you to jam with others who share the same interest.

Our Banjo instructors are dedicated music teachers with years of experiences playing in their own bands and performing across U.S. and other continents with other professional performers. We cover all the skills that you need including the three main styles of picking, 3-finger for Bluegrass, clawhammer frailing for Old-Time and flatpicking for traditional Irish Music. We also work with you on timing control and provide real life playing situations in our workshops given by banjo instructors and professional players from around the country.

In addition to classes and workshops, you'll have opportunities to enjoy concerts from finest local and touring performers, witness the Bluegrass Band Scramble where musicians compete for a prize, and student showcases in our Real Room - an intimate 100-seat concert hall, sharing your love in traditional music by performing on stage and jamming with other students.

Mandolin

Do you dream of playing mandolin in a bluegrass band on stage? The Real School of Music can make your dreams come true with private and group mandolin lessons in both "Americana" and "Celtic" traditional styles.

Our mandolin lessons start with the basics in our Introduction to Folk Mandolin class. From there, our Real School instructors, who are also professional mandolin players themselves, will help you master your skills with specific techniques in our private one-on-one classes.

Real School also gives you unique opportunities to learn outside of classrooms. We provide you with various clinics and instrument-specific workshops and performances by traditional musicians. Jam session with other musicians in a band, and different student showcases and concerts throughout the year.

Fiddle

Have you ever heard pulse-pounding fiddle music fueling a square dance? Would you like to be that fiddler? Take fiddle lessons at The Real School of Music - we can help you become one.

Fiddle is one of traditional American-roots music's most exciting and enduring instruments and an excellent starting point for newcomers and seasoned musicians alike. We teach you all the basics you need to play, great bowing techniques and how to pick up fingering patterns from source recordings. No matter what style of music you like - from Appalachian string band styles of the Rural American South to the great Cajun and Swing dance styles of the South West. Here at Real School, we have seasoned, dedicated instructors who live and breathe all kinds of traditional folk music.

In addition to classes and workshops, you'll have opportunities to enjoy concerts from finest local and touring performers, witness the Bluegrass Band Scramble where musicians compete for a prize, and student showcases in our Real Room - an intimate 100-seat concert hall, sharing your love in traditional music by performing on stage and jamming with other students.

Ukulele

You can't play the ukulele without having fun. The same should apply to learning how to play the uke. At Real School, we make sure our ukelele lessons are fun by teaching what many consider to be the most fun American stringed instrument in creative and exciting ways. Kids or seniors, beginners or advanced - we offer you private and group ukulele lessons where you have freedom to play your favorite songs and opportunities to jam with other students.

Our instructors will teach you everything from the fundamentals of tone production to different strumming techniques. You'll also study Tin Pan Alley composers like Irving Berlin and George Gershwin up through The Beatles and modern pop performers like Jason Mraz and Greg Hawkes of the Cars.

In addition, you'll have access to clinics, technique specific workshops and concerts by world renowned musicians plus opportunities to jam with other musicians and perform on stage in student showcases on stage in our Real Room and other public venues in the greater Boston area.

Dulcimer

Picture yourself in the mountains of Appalachia. Now imagine the sweet sounding music that goes naturally with this setting. Dulcimer, as translated "sweet song," may be the instrument for you. The Real School of Music is proud to offer you opportunities to learn how to play dulcimer - an American folk instrument with its origin dating back several hundred years.

At Real School, we give you unique lessons for this unique instrument. You'll learn from dedicated groups of traditional musicians and be exposed to a wide range of folk and popular music and artists. You'll have solid music fundamentals integrating melody and rhythm as well as understanding and honoring the deep American roots of this fine instrument.

We also offer many opportunities for you to develop your skills and love in American roots-based music - clinics and instrument-specific workshops and concerts from professionals, jam session and band scrambles with other musicians, and different showcases and concerts throughout the year.

Bouzouki

Not many places teach the Bouzouki. But at the Real School of Music we offer bouzouki lessons that are as fun and exciting as the instrument itself. A Greek descendant of the long necked lutes introduced into Irish music in the 1960s, the "zouk", as it's called, with its delicate timbre and modal flavor, is now commonly found at many tradtional Irish music sessions in the Boston area.

At Real School, you'll take bouzouki lessons with our dedicated music instructors who have years of experiences playing in their own bands and performing across U.S. and other continents. We cover all the basic skills to start playing the zouk and specific techniques including strummed and arpeggiated "cross picking" styles. Our instructors will also build up your confidence until you're able to jam with other musicians in a band.

Apart from learning in classrooms, you'll also have fun experiencing clinics and instrument-specific workshops we host throughout the year. Also, enjoy and participate in concerts from professional Bouzouki players, jam sessions with other musicians in bands, and different student showcases and concerts in the Greater Boston area.

Percussion

The history of the drum goes back as far as we have existed. It is widely considered the first musical instrument and has had many uses over time including as a means of communication. The talking drums of Africa can imitate the inflections and pitch variations of a spoken language and are used for communicating over great distances.

Songwriting

In this six week songwriting program, students will familiarize themselves with the art of song composition, lyric writing, arranging and recording.

In these hour and a half classes, the first 45 minutes will be spent exploring elements of composition such as form, structure, chorus, refrain, chord progressions, harmonic movement, styles, melody, use of harmony vocals, and dynamics. Also included will be lyric writing techniques such as meter, various rhyme schemes, use of metaphor, and economy of words. Weekly lyric and songwriting assignments will be given and many songs will be written.

The following 45 minutes are spent in an introductory course to Digital Recording where students will realize their song ideas through recording techniques, drum loops, and MIDI instruments. All songs will be recorded using the Real Schools recording facility. Student must bring a laptop (either Mac or PC), guitar, a binder, manuscript paper, and a pencil.

Studio Recording

It takes only six weeks to make your dream of recording music come true. Take Intro to Recording lessons at the Real School of Music where our professional recording engineers teach you how to produce your own multi-track digital recordings. You'll learn everything you need to know for cutting and editing tracks, gain knowledge of studio software and you'll be able start recording your music at home or in-studio.

Join Real School and you'll also benefit from our state-of-art facility; comfortable lounge, and free wifi. You'll also gain access to our clinics and workshops and enjoy student showcases and concerts in our Real Room.

Check out our Intro to Recording program for more information on class descriptions, pricing, and schedule.

Beat Making

Learn how to mix and record your own music. This 12 week course will give you an intro to the wide world of audio production.

Beat making is a digital extension of musical creativity. In a one-on-one setting, the student will learn of the broad scope of synthesis and sound design, including the different genres and forms it can take. The student will learn to not only utilize pre-existing samples of songs to create loops, but also how to use their own creativity to produce new samples and beats.

Beyond electronic instruments, the student will also learn to incorporate live instruments into their loops, and also how to use these sounds in live performance settings. Beat making will cover everything from the basic concepts behind the development of simple drum beats and song structure to creating fully orchestrated compositions.

Class Requirements: Access to a recent computer (OSX 10.4 or later, Windows 2000 or later music notation.

Keyboard/Synthesis

At the Real School of Music, we offer a contemporary approach to keyboard and synthesis lessons. It all starts with giving you the freedom to choose the songs that you want to learn, and supporting you with specific techniques to realize your musical ability. Whether you're a kid or an adult, beginner or advanced, our keyboard lessons focus on finding the instructor and method that best fits your musical style. This not only makes each lesson more productive, it also makes it more fun while you learn keyboard theory, sight reading, ear training, improvisation techniques and song writing techniques.

You can also choose to take synthesis lessons at the Real School of Music that teach you how to create music that is uniquely your own. It all begins with learning the terminology and signal flow. From there we teach you the basic instruments and then we integrate your knowledge into music composition and mixing. You'll also get hands-on experience with software that you can use at home or with a digital workstation.

As your skills improve, you can play in bands with other students, perform live on our Real Room stage and even play live shows at other public venues throughout greater Boston. You can also record your demo in our professional recording studio.

RealKids

Looking for the best start for your little one's musical journey? There's no better way than RealKids, our fun-filled Early Childhood Music program taught by highly trained music educator and professional musician, Rich Podgur. These interactive classes are based on the teaching philosophy of Orff-Schulwerk, in which children learn music through activities they love: instrument playing, singing, rhyme chanting, beat keeping, clapping, and dancing.

We offer:

Age-specific classes designed for children from the ages of three months to nine

A deeper bonding opportunity for parents and caregivers

Music learning in a safe, non-competitive environment.

First dibs on special concerts and events in our Real Room concert hall

Free run of our campus and rehearsal space, recording studio, concert stage - even a lounge for hanging out

Home School

Expose your children to music in fun and interactive ways with the Real School 4 Home School music program. These 16 week sessions are specifically designed to address the unique needs of home school families and to provide your children with a well-rounded music education. This program also incorporates our design-your-own approach that allows your children to choose the classes that match their interests from instrument specific classes to vocal ensembles. All classes are presented by age and taught by certified instructors who are also professional musicians.

We offer:

Age-appropriate classes for infants to the age of eighteen

Opportunities to join bands and ensembles, write original music, and perform live shows.

Access to various clinics, workshops and master classes by faculty and guest artists.

Special offers for concerts in our Real Room concert hall and at venues around greater-Boston.

Free run of our campus and rehearsal space, recording studio, concert stage - even a lounge for hanging out

RealSchool Live!

Why practice at home - by yourself - when you can be jamming in your very own band? The Real School of Music believes that nobody learns an instrument just to sit at home and play alone. So we have created programs that allow musicians of all ages to play in bands, even if they aren't participating in lessons. Our instructors help match you up with a band that fits your musical style and skill level and work with you to turn your individual skill into a tight, musical unit.

We offer:

Opportunities to write songs together with your band members and perform live on stage in front of friends, family and fans

Access to clinics, workshops and master classes from faculty and guest artists

First dibs on special concerts and events in our Real Room concert hall

Free run of our campus and rehearsal space, recording studio, concert stage - even a lounge for hanging out

RealJams Academy

RealJams Academy is better than a summer camp! This week-long, full-day (9AM - 4PM) summer music program will immerse you in music that matters to you. You'll be able to join a band, write and record your original songs and perform on stage in our Real Room concert venue - under the expert guidance of Real School instructors. Whether you're interested in live performance, song writing, digital recording, or musical theater, we've got you covered!

We offer:

Total access to our recording studio, lesson rooms, practice space, performance hall - every inch of our unique music school

Premier Lessons

Sabbatical

Seitu

Registrar

From the moment he picked up a guitar as a teenager in the late 60’s, music has been the guiding force in Seitu's life. After playing in a couple of high school bands on the East coast and a few more college bands on the West coast Seitu landed a job at Warner/Elektra/Atlantic Records before transitioning to a career in musical instrument retail in 1980.

After holding numerous sales and management positions in music retail for over 28 years serving customers including George Benson, Joe Pass, Pat Metheny, Robert Plant, Ginger Baker, Ritchie Blackmore and the like, Seitu brought his vast experience to Real School as an original team member in 2008. He is currently recording a collection of original songs, occasionally performing, and continually pursuing his passion for Hawaiian Steel Guitar music.

FUN FACT: Seitu is a 30-year music industry veteran, who has worked with some of the biggest names in the music business, including this man.